Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Director Says “There’s Simply No Way Around” Game-Key Cards

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Now that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is available on the Nintendo Switch 2, and a version of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is also being developed, director Naoki Hamaguchi has reiterated why Game-Key Cards are necessary. He explained in an interview with Automaton Media that these cards are essential because of the limited speed of standard game cartridges.

Hamaguchi explained that games load about twice as fast when using the Switch 2’s built-in storage compared to using a game cartridge. This is a key reason why Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade will use Game-Key Cards.

Hamaguchi explained that key cards are necessary in some ways because loading games from them is about twice as fast as loading from a game cartridge that contains all the data. Some developers worry that making games for multiple platforms could limit not just the graphics, but also how games are designed. This is the main reason Nintendo chose key cards instead of cartridges for the Switch 2.

He explained that the game doesn’t load all its data at once when it starts. Instead, it continuously loads and unloads data as you play, making loading speed a key concern for the developers. Additionally, the Nintendo Switch 2’s game cartridges don’t have enough storage space for everything the game needs.

Hamaguchi explained that their game doesn’t load all its data at the beginning and then stop. Instead, it continuously loads and unloads data even while you’re playing. Because of this, using a game card would be too slow and create a frustrating experience for players. Plus, the game is simply too large to fit on current game cards.

Okay, so we’re really pushing for fast loading times in the next game – things like using SSD or UFS storage, which is key for the Switch 2. If we can get that sorted, the kind of experience we’re aiming for is totally doable. We’re actually building the third game in the trilogy to be as big and epic as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, so you guys can expect something really substantial. We’re committed to making it a huge adventure!

Hamaguchi explained that the ability to use Game-Key Cards is the main reason the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. Previous Switch models didn’t have fast enough loading speeds or enough storage space. But now, thanks to Game-Key Cards removing those limitations and the Switch 2’s powerful performance, the team can finally bring the trilogy to a wider audience.

We previously had to skip releasing games on Nintendo systems because of technical limitations like slow loading times and limited storage. But the new Nintendo Switch 2 is powerful enough to overcome those issues—especially with a game format like FFVII Remake that uses a key card—making it possible to release our games on the platform now, according to a spokesperson.

Hamaguchi previously expressed a similar view about Game-Key Cards in October, acknowledging some dislike for the technology but stating it’s unavoidable. However, Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive Studios, has criticized the system, calling it a setback for preserving classic video games.

In the meantime, check out our review of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on the Nintendo Switch 2.

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2026-02-19 14:41